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Main Description

This page describes the remote start system in the same way as it should be described in the rules.

Remote start and kill switch
Every round is started by the referee sending a start signal with an IR transmitter. As soon as the robot receives the signal the round will start. (This method makes the matches fairer since it eliminates false starts and is also time saving since less restarts is needed). The contestant can choose to either implement all the hardware and software by them self or he/she can simply use a prebuilt module (recommended).

Kill switch
The kill switch is used to cut power to the motors of the robot, which is used as a security precaution and is only mandatory in the 3kg class. When the referee sends the stop command the power to the motors has to be cut. The robot builder is responsible for adding such a kill switch on the robot by themselves, however the prebuilt module can supply the signal for activating the kill switch. Examples of recommended design can be found below.

Robot Class

3kg

500g

100g

25g

Remote start

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Not applicable

Kill Switch

Mandatory

Optional

Optional

Not applicable

Prebuilt moduleThe prebuilt module takes care of all communication and is very easy to implement. The robot only needs to wait for the start pin on the module to go high and then it should start. The module accepts supply voltage (VCC) 3.3-5V. The connectors have standard 2.54mm pitch.

Modes of operation
The figure below illustrates the modes of operation of the module. To be less sensitive to noise and disturbances the module will save its current state into a non-volatile memory and if it is resets it will return to the last known state. This means that each match will end with the referee sending the stop command.Note: If the LED on the module is on before the referee has sent the start command it means that the module is in the “Started” state. Then the stop command has to be sent and the robot needs to restart for the module to go back to the “Power ON” state.

To be able to run multiple matches next to each other each dohyo will have its own unique identifier. The prebuilt module can be re-programmed to listen for a new identifier. This is done by the referee by sending a special programming command which updates this identifier.

Robots which use sensors that are based on IR technology with a 38kHz transmitter modulation are encouraged to start their sensors after the start signal is received. This is to minimize the risk of disturbance.

4 thoughts on “Main Description”

Usually, these are sold for competitions. You can check which competitions use them under Used by.
The price vary depending on the competition. Somewhere between around 10-15€ a piece.
It you use the prebuilt module, you only need to read a single input pin, which really doesn’t need a separate Arduino library.